I have an 07 LS 2.2 and work in the exact same field as you. I started out with a 97 SC1 like yours but did not have the rear doors. I sold that and took over my wifes 04 Vibe after she lost her job and loved that car. It was totaled by an idiot on their cell phone which brought me to the HHR.

The HHR is a decent car. Lots of room and with the rear seats folded, I can regularly haul a server and 4-5 workstations with monitors plus other equipment and still use both front seats. Power from the 2.2 is more than adequate and using 87 gas makes it the better choice for me. The tinted windows make it harder for people to see items in the car and thankfully I have not any issues with that yet. Bought a set of General Altimax snow tires for $400 mounted and had no issues with all of the snow we got in Pittsburgh this year.

The cons are gas mileage is nowhere near the Vibe. It averaged 30-35 mpg year round. My HHR driving the exact same roads and conditions average 22-27 usually closer to 24. With $4 a gallon not far off you really want to look at that. Also I have had to replace several components in the front end so far with only 50k on the odometer. These are known issues and appear to be wide spread. The Vibe had 105k on it and never had to replace anything other than brakes, tires, and fluids.

Just thought i'd throw my 2 cents in as a fellow IT consultant. Overall the HHR is a decent car, it just had very large shoes to fill. The lower MPG is still a shock to me even after driving it a year.

Good luck with your purchase and enjoy whatever you buy.

 

My 09 LS is great on gas & reliability. Have 25,000 miles on it now & only issue was air bag light (fixed under warrantee).

 

Thanks, I'm not too surprised that swapping things like the seats is easily done. However, I'm thinking of wanting the back seat for things like road trips, with adults in the back. Not sure the in-laws would be keen on not having windows. lol My wife & I moved to Idaho from Indiana, and all our family is back in IN. So when they come visit we go driving all over creation, letting them see the beautiful scenery of the western US. In the past we've generally done this with our '98 Suburban, which is great for that purpose... except for the fuel economy. I love my suburban, it does everything our Saturns don't do (my wife also DD's a '99 Saturn coupe), but getting an HHR is a big opportunity to save some gas money for people hauling adventures.

I'll probably lean toward a half panel, whatever trim level/drivetrain I go for. Nice to have a little something that's unique about the vehicle. :)

 

I have owned a 1LT w/5 spd, 2LT auto, and currently own a SS. With my style of driving gas mileage has been pretty close between the 3 of them. As far as performance goes, if thats what you are looking for then the SS would be the one. If the performance thing isnt for you then LS, 1LT and 2LT would be a great choice(just more available options with different trim levels). Hopefully you will come acrost one that you fall in love with and take it home with ya.

 

I've owned a 2LT and now an SS. I much prefer the SS, especially with the stage 1 kit. Gas mileage with the SS is the same as the 2LT I had; it just requires premium. I guess maintenance is a bit higher(brake pads and tires wear quicker) but the difference is not much. My current commute is almost all rural highways (55MPH limits) and I get 28+MPG with the SS and still have the power if I feel like using it.

 

I came out of a 97 SC2 when I got my HHR. Had all the bolt on stuff...fun little (and CHEAP!!!) car but really love my HHR. Don't really miss all of the Saturn rattles, especially in the sunroof (doesn't look like you have one). Looks like you enjoy modifying, so I'd prolly suggest a SS. If I hadn't received the deal I had on mine, I'da been in a SS for sure! Welcome to the site

 

maybe you should look at the panels or 1/2 panels (AA5 option). And as long as it has traction control.. standard 09 and up you wont have any problem through the snow. I take my SS on stock 16 tires through enough of it.

Snow driving as your aware of is basically well learned over the years

 

As already mentioned, a full panel is out, but if I can find what I want in a half panel, I'd gladly get one.

Thinking I'll save a good downpayment (~$5k) and just start really watching for a killer deal that fits my needs. Saw a great deal on Craigslist from a private owner a bit ago that was probably ~$3k less than I'd expect to see from a dealer, so that's the kind of deal I'll be looking for. What kind of good deal becomes available may end up determining what I get more than anything I suppose, since I can't seem to decide otherwise. On the otherhand, it's tempting to just be open to buying from anywhere in the US and have a great road trip bringing whatever deal I find home. :)